Analytical Methods

This subject is not offered in 2013.

140 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject was formerly called Analytical Methods for Urban Planning.

Analytical Methods provides an introduction to quantitative data analysis for the social sciences, focusing on the data and techniques commonly used in urban planning analysis. It develops understanding and skill in the use of the collection, analysis and representation of information.

The subject is presented in two sections:

1. An introduction to common demographic and economic data available from secondary sources, including census data, techniques for analysing and interpreting population data as well as population and economic forecasting techniques.
2. An introduction to basic statistical analysis of small-sample and large-sample data. Topics include descriptive statistics, confidence intervals and power, hypothesis testing, measures of association, and an introduction to regression techniques.

MSD students may be directed to focus on particular units within this subject to complement their program's area of study or research aspirations.

• A working knowledge of some of the secondary data available for planning and social science analysis.
• Basic tools of demographic and economic analysis using secondary data
• A foundation in understanding statistical techniques, and their application to social science problems
• Ability to write about and present findings of these analyses
• Written, verbal and graphic communication of data and findings
• Identification of key social and spatial issues

Part 1 of Subject

• Short written assessment, 500 words (10%, due week 3).
• Community profile, 2,500 words (30%, due week 7).
• Presentation of Community Profile, 500 words (10%, due week 7).

Part 2 of Subject

• 3 homework assignments on statistical analysis:

1. 400 words (15%, due week 8)
2. 400 words (15%, due week 10)
3. 700 words (20%, due week 12)

No required texts.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Written and verbal communication
• Identification of key issues and debates in a field of work
• Application of quantitative techniques